Throttle grip device

Abstract

The present invention provides a throttle grip device that can generate an operating load at the start of rotation of the throttle grip and before the rotation of the interlocking member, and can rotate the throttle grip in both the forward and reverse directions while generating a biasing force. [Solution] A throttle grip device comprising a first biasing means S1 that biases the interlocking member 1 toward an initial position when the throttle grip G rotates forward a, and a second biasing means S2 that biases the interlocking member 1 toward an initial position when the throttle grip G rotates backward b, wherein an initial position biasing means 11 is provided that applies a biasing force to the engaging portion Ga when the throttle grip G rotates forward a from an initial position until the engaging portion Ga comes into contact with the engaged portion 1a and causes the interlocking member 1 to rotate forward a, and the second biasing means S2 and the initial position biasing means 11 are attached to one surface F1 and the other surface F2 of the interlocking member 1, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a throttle grip device in which a drive source of a vehicle is controlled based on a rotational operation of a throttle grip.

Background Art

[0002] In recent motorcycles, throttle grip devices configured to detect the rotational angle of a throttle grip with a sensor and send the detected value as an electrical signal to an electronic control device or the like mounted on the motorcycle have become widespread. As a conventional throttle grip device, for example, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be mentioned. In such a conventional throttle grip device, when the throttle grip rotates from the initial position, no operating load is generated until the engaging portion abuts against the engaged portion. Therefore, the operating feeling is significantly different from that of a general-purpose wire-type throttle grip with which the operator is accustomed, and there is a risk that the operability will deteriorate.

[0003] In order to solve such an operability problem, the applicant of the present application has proposed a throttle grip device provided with initial position biasing means for applying a biasing force to the engaging portion until the engaging portion abuts against the engaged portion when the throttle grip rotates from the initial position, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 2. According to such a throttle grip device, an operating load can be generated at the start of the rotational operation of the throttle grip and before the rotation of the interlocking member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, while conventional throttle grip devices equipped with an initial position biasing mechanism can improve the operability of the throttle grip by generating an operating load at the start of the throttle grip rotation operation and before the rotation of the interlocking member, it has been difficult to apply them to throttle grip devices that can activate or deactivate a predetermined function of the vehicle by rotating the throttle grip in the reverse direction (reverse rotation).

[0006] In other words, when applied to a throttle grip device equipped with a throttle grip that allows forward rotation in a predetermined direction and reverse rotation in the opposite direction from the initial position, it is necessary to separately provide an initial position biasing means in addition to the biasing means for forward rotation and the biasing means for reverse rotation of the throttle grip, and it is difficult to secure space for providing the initial position biasing means.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a throttle grip device that can generate an operating load at the start of rotation of the throttle grip and before the rotation of the interlocking member, and can rotate the throttle grip in the forward and reverse directions while generating a biasing force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 includes a throttle grip that can be rotated by a driver and is capable of forward rotation in a predetermined direction from an initial position and reverse rotation in the opposite direction to said predetermined direction; an interlocking member having an engaged portion that can engage with an engaging portion formed on the throttle grip and capable of rotating in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the throttle grip; a case that rotatably holds the interlocking member; a first biasing means that biases the interlocking member toward the initial position when the throttle grip rotates forward; a second biasing means that biases the interlocking member toward the initial position when the throttle grip rotates reverse; and the throttle by detecting the rotation angle of the interlocking member. A throttle grip device comprising a rotation angle detection means capable of detecting the rotation angle of the grip, capable of controlling the vehicle's drive source according to the rotation angle of the throttle grip when it is rotating in the forward direction as detected by the rotation angle detection means, and capable of activating or deactivating a predetermined function of the vehicle when the throttle grip rotates in the reverse direction, comprising an initial position biasing means that applies a biasing force to the engaging portion when the throttle grip rotates in the forward direction from an initial position until the engaging portion contacts the engaged portion and causes the interlocking member to rotate in the forward direction, and the second biasing means and the initial position biasing means are attached to one surface and the other surface of the interlocking member, respectively.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a throttle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the initial position biasing means comprises a contact member that contacts the engaging portion and a biasing member attached to the contact member that biases the engaging portion, and the interlocking member is formed with a housing recess for housing the contact member and the biasing member.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is a throttle grip device according to claim 2, wherein the engaged portion has a one-end wall portion formed at one end of the housing recess and a protrusion formed protruding from the interlocking member, wherein when the throttle grip rotates forward, the engaged portion abuts against the one-end wall portion to rotate the interlocking member, and when the throttle grip rotates reverse, the engaged portion abuts against the protrusion portion to rotate the interlocking member, and the one-end wall portion is formed with an insertion portion through which the contacting member is inserted and its tip abuts against the engaged portion.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a throttle grip device according to claim 3, wherein the biasing member consists of a coil spring with one end in contact with the contact member and housed in the housing recess, and the housing recess is formed in an arc shape along a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis of the interlocking member.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a throttle grip device according to claim 4, wherein the initial position biasing means comprises a cover member that covers the opening of the housing recess and closes the housing space for the contact member and the biasing member, and the cover member is formed with a receiving portion that receives the other end of the biasing member.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the throttle grip device described in claim 5, the receiving recess is capable of attaching any of the cover members having different formation positions for the receiving portion.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is a throttle grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the biasing member of the initial position biasing means is a multi-stage pitch spring having a plurality of regions with different pitches, and the spring characteristics change in a plurality of stages during the compression process.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is a throttle grip device according to claim 2, wherein the first biasing means consists of a torsion coil spring, and the biasing members of the second biasing means and the initial position biasing means consist of coil springs, and when a virtual circle along the coil portion of the torsion coil spring of the first biasing means is defined as the first virtual circle, and virtual circles offset from the first virtual circle in the direction of the rotation axis of the interlocking member are defined as the second virtual circle and the third virtual circle, respectively, the biasing members of the second biasing means and the initial position biasing means are arranged in an arc shape along the second virtual circle and the third virtual circle, respectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the invention of claim 1, an initial position biasing means is provided, and the second biasing means and the initial position biasing means are attached to one surface and the other surface of the interlocking member, respectively. This makes it possible to generate an operating load when the rotation operation of the throttle grip begins and before the rotation of the interlocking member, and to rotate the throttle grip in the forward and reverse directions while generating a biasing force.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 2, the initial position biasing means has a contact member that contacts the engaging portion and a biasing member that is attached to the contact member and biases the engaging portion, and the interlocking member has a housing recess formed therein that accommodates the contact member and the biasing member, so that the initial position biasing means can be reliably attached to the other surface of the interlocking member.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 3, the engaged portion has an end wall portion formed at one end of the receiving recess and a protrusion formed on the interlocking member, and an insertion portion is formed in the end wall portion through which the contact member is inserted and its tip comes into contact with the engaged portion, so that a biasing force of the biasing member can be generated via the contact member during the time (play section) from when the throttle grip is rotated forward from the initial position to when the interlocking member is rotated forward.

[0019] Further, by further rotating the throttle grip in the positive direction from the play section, the locking portion can press the one end wall portion to rotate the interlocking member in the positive direction, and by rotating the throttle grip in the reverse direction from the initial position, the locking portion can press the convex portion to rotate the interlocking member in the reverse direction.

[0020] According to the invention of claim 4, the biasing member is composed of a coil spring having one end abutting against the abutting member and housed in the housing recess, and the housing recess is formed in an arc shape along a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis of the interlocking member. Therefore, the biasing force of the biasing member can be favorably transmitted to the engaging portion until the throttle grip rotates in the positive direction to rotate the interlocking member in the positive direction.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 5, the initial position biasing means includes a cover member that covers the opening of the housing recess and closes the housing space of the abutting member and the biasing member, and the cover member is formed with a receiving portion for receiving the other end of the biasing member. Therefore, the cover member can have both the function of closing the housing space of the housing recess and the function of receiving the other end of the biasing member.

[0022] According to the invention of claim 6, since any cover member with different formation positions of the receiving portions can be attached to the housing recess, biasing members with different length dimensions can be arbitrarily selectively attached to the housing recess.

[0023] According to the invention of claim 7, the biasing member of the initial position biasing means is composed of a multi-stage pitch spring having a plurality of regions with different pitches and whose spring characteristics change in multiple stages during the compression process. Therefore, it can be easily approximated to the operation feeling of a general-purpose wire-type throttle grip with which the operator is familiar.

[0024] According to the invention of claim 8, when a virtual circle along the coil portion of the torsion coil spring of the first biasing means is defined as the first virtual circle, and virtual circles obtained by offsetting the first virtual circle in the rotational axis direction of the interlocking member are defined as the second virtual circle and the third virtual circle, respectively, the biasing members of the second biasing means and the initial position biasing means are respectively arranged in an arc shape along the second virtual circle and the third virtual circle. Therefore, the biasing forces of the biasing members of the first biasing means, the second biasing means, and the initial position biasing means can be stably generated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] Overall perspective view showing a throttle grip device according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Three-view drawing showing the throttle grip device [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2 [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view showing the throttle grip device [Figure 6] Exploded perspective view showing the main part of the throttle grip device [Figure 7] Exploded perspective view showing the main part of the throttle grip device [Figure 8] Schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship of the biasing members of the first biasing means, the second biasing means, and the initial position biasing means of the throttle grip device [Figure 9] Three-view drawing showing the case in the throttle grip device [Figure 10] Perspective view showing the interlocking member of the throttle grip device [Figure 11] Three-view drawing showing the interlocking member of the throttle grip device [Figure 12] Perspective view showing a state in which main components such as an interlocking member are housed in the case of the throttle grip device [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12 [Figure 14]Perspective view showing the initial positioning biasing means and cover member in the throttle grip device. [Figure 15] A perspective view showing the contact member and biasing member of the initial position biasing means in the throttle grip device. [Figure 16] A perspective view showing a cover member attached to the initial positioning biasing means in the throttle grip device. [Figure 17] A perspective view showing the main components of the throttle grip device with the cover removed. [Figure 18] A schematic diagram showing the state of the interlocking member and initial position biasing means when the throttle grip of the throttle grip device is in the initial position A0. [Figure 19] This schematic diagram shows the state of the interlocking member and initial position biasing means when the throttle grip of the throttle grip device is rotated forward from the initial position A0 to the play section T. [Figure 20] This schematic diagram shows the state of the interlocking member and initial position biasing means when the throttle grip of the throttle grip device is rotated forward from the initial position A0 and then further rotated from the play section T. [Figure 21] A schematic diagram showing the state of the interlocking member and initial position biasing means when the throttle grip of the throttle grip device is rotated in the reverse direction from the initial position A0. [Figure 22] A perspective view showing the replacement initial positioning biasing means and replacement cover member for the throttle grip device. [Figure 23] A perspective view showing the contact member and biasing member of the replacement initial positioning biasing means in the throttle grip device. [Figure 24] A perspective view showing a replacement cover member attached to the replacement initial positioning biasing means in the throttle grip device. [Figure 25] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV when a replacement initial biasing means and a replacement cover member are attached to the interlocking member of the throttle grip device. [Figure 26]This graph shows the torque characteristics when the throttle grip of the throttle grip device is rotated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. The throttle grip device according to this embodiment detects the rotation angle of the throttle grip G attached to the handlebar H of a motorcycle (vehicle), and transmits the detection signal to an electronic control unit such as an ECU mounted on the motorcycle to control the drive source (engine, motor, etc.). Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, the throttle grip device according to this embodiment is configured to include a switch case S, a throttle grip G, an interlocking member 1, a case 2, a rotating member 3, a resistance force applying means 4, a magnetic sensor 6 (rotation angle detection means), a first biasing means S1, a second biasing means S2, and an initial position biasing means 11. The switch case S is equipped with various switches W for operating the vehicle's electrical components.

[0027] Case 2 is located inside a switch case S (see Figures 3-5) attached to the tip end of the handlebar H of a motorcycle (vehicle) (the base end of the throttle grip G). It houses the main components of the throttle grip device and rotatably holds the interlocking member 1 and the rotating member 3, etc. As shown in Figure 9, Case 2 consists of a molded part having a first housing section 2a for rotatably housing the interlocking member 1, a second housing section 2b for rotatably housing the rotating member 3, a third housing section 2c for housing the resistance force applying means 4, a locking section 2d for locking one end of the first biasing means S1, and a housing recess 2e for housing the magnetic sensor 6 and the printed circuit board 5. Reference numeral 8 indicates a plate-shaped lid member for closing the opening side of Case 2.

[0028] The throttle grip G extends from the switch case S and is designed to be rotated by the driver while being held. As shown in Figures 1-3, it is capable of forward rotation a in a predetermined direction around the axis from its initial position, and reverse rotation b in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction. An engaging portion Ga (see Figure 5) with a protruding shape is formed on the base end of the throttle grip G. This engaging portion Ga engages with the engaged portion 1a (see Figures 4, 10, 11, etc.) of the interlocking member 1, thereby connecting the throttle grip G and the interlocking member 1.

[0029] The interlocking member 1 has an engaged portion 1a that can engage with an engaging portion Ga formed on the throttle grip G, and can rotate in conjunction with the forward rotation a and reverse rotation b of the throttle grip G. Specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the interlocking member 1 according to this embodiment consists of an annular member having one surface F1 and the other surface F2, and is rotatable about the rotation axis k in response to the rotation operation of the throttle grip G, and has an engaged portion 1a, a pair of mounting recesses 1b, a flange 1c, a gear 1d, and a pair of housing recesses 1f. The flange 1c of the interlocking member 1 according to this embodiment has a sliding surface n formed thereon that allows the resistance force applying means 4 to slide.

[0030] The engaged portion 1a is formed on the other surface F2 of the interlocking member 1 and consists of portions formed at positions corresponding to the engaged portion Ga of the throttle grip G. In this embodiment, it has an end wall portion 1g formed at one end of the housing recess 1f and a protrusion portion 1i formed protruding from the interlocking member 1. As shown in Figure 12, the engaged portion 1a is positioned to face the outside through the opening 8a of the cover member 8. When the throttle grip G is assembled, as shown in Figure 4, the engaged portion Ga is positioned between the end wall portion 1g and the protrusion portion 1i of the engaged portion 1a.

[0031] The mounting recess 1b consists of a pair of arc-shaped grooves formed on one surface F1 of the interlocking member 1, and is configured to accommodate a second biasing means S2 (see Figures 6-8), which is made of a coil spring, inside each recess. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a selection member 7 having a locking portion 7a and a receiving portion 7b is attached to one surface F1 of the interlocking member 1.

[0032] The receiving portion 7b is formed at a position corresponding to the mounting recess 1b, and when the selection member 7 is attached, it is inserted into the mounting recess 1b and receives one end of the second biasing means S2. Furthermore, the locking portion 7a is configured to lock onto a part of the interlocking member 1 when the interlocking member 1 rotates forward a, causing the selection member 7 to rotate forward a together with the interlocking member 1, and not to lock onto a part of the interlocking member 1 when the interlocking member 1 rotates backward b, so as not to be linked to the rotation of the interlocking member 1.

[0033] As a result, when the throttle grip G is rotated in the reverse direction b, the interlocking member 1 rotates in the reverse direction b, and the interlocking member 1 rotates relative to the selection member 7, so the receiving portion 7b compresses the second biasing means S2 and biases the interlocking member 1 toward its initial position. On the other hand, when the throttle grip G is rotated in the forward direction a, the interlocking member 1 rotates in the forward direction a, although a biasing force is generated by the first biasing means S1, the selection member 7 rotates together with the interlocking member 1, so the receiving portion 7b does not compress the second biasing means S2 and no biasing force is generated.

[0034] Furthermore, the interlocking member 1 has a flange 1c formed around it in the circumferential direction, and a gear 1d formed over a predetermined range. This gear 1d is assembled to mesh with a gear formed on the outer circumference of the rotating member 3, and is configured so that the rotating member 3 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the interlocking member 1.

[0035] The rotating member 3 is capable of rotating in conjunction with the interlocking member 1, and is housed in the second housing section 2b of the case 2 (see Figure 9), and is rotatable around the shaft member L (see Figure 13). When the interlocking member 1 rotates, the rotating member 3 rotates around the shaft member L at an angle of rotation corresponding to the rotation angle of the interlocking member 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, a magnet M is attached to the rotating member 3, and the magnet M is configured to rotate together with the rotating member 3 around the shaft member L.

[0036] As shown in Figure 13, one end of the shaft member L is supported by a mounting member 9, and a torsion spring 10 is attached to the mounting member 9. This torsion spring 10 biases the rotating member 3 in the rotational direction via the shaft member L, and this biasing force suppresses play between the gear 1d of the interlocking member 1 and the rotating member 3.

[0037] As shown in Figure 13, the magnetic sensor 6 (rotation angle detection means) consists of a sensor positioned on the extension of the shaft member L, and is capable of detecting the rotation angle of the throttle grip G by detecting changes in magnetism (changes in the direction of the magnetic field) generated from the magnet M. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 6 is capable of obtaining an output voltage corresponding to the change in the magnetic field (change in magnetic flux density) of the magnet M, and is composed of, for example, a Hall element, which is a magnetic sensor that utilizes the Hall effect (specifically, a linear Hall IC that can obtain an output voltage proportional to the magnetic field (magnetic flux density) of the magnet M).

[0038] In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 6 is formed on a printed circuit board 5 on which a predetermined electrical circuit is printed. Furthermore, the printed circuit board 5 on which the magnetic sensor 6 is mounted is housed in a recess 2e of the case 2 and then molded with a predetermined resin material to make it waterproof and dustproof.

[0039] In this embodiment of the throttle grip device, when the throttle grip G rotates in the forward direction a and the interlocking member 1 rotates in the same direction (forward direction), the rotating member 3 also rotates in conjunction, and the magnet M connected to the rotating member 3 rotates by the same angle in the forward direction. As a result, the magnetic field of the magnet M changes according to the rotation angle of the rotating member 3, so the magnetic sensor 6 can obtain an output voltage corresponding to the rotation angle, and based on this output voltage, it is possible to detect the rotation angle of the interlocking member 1 (i.e., the rotation angle of the throttle grip G).

[0040] The rotation angle of the throttle grip G detected in this manner is transmitted as an electrical signal to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) installed in the motorcycle, and the vehicle's drive source (engine, motor, etc.) can be controlled according to the transmitted rotation angle of the throttle grip G.

[0041] On the other hand, when the throttle grip G rotates in the opposite direction (b) and the interlocking member 1 rotates in the same direction (opposite direction), the rotating member 3 and the magnet M also rotate in conjunction. As a result, the magnetic sensor 6 can detect the reverse rotation b of the interlocking member 1 and activate or deactivate a predetermined function of the vehicle (for example, the auto cruise function).

[0042] As shown in Figures 6-8, the first biasing means S1 consists of a torsion coil spring having a coil portion S1a, and is a return spring that biases the interlocking member 1 toward its initial position when the throttle grip G rotates forward a. Specifically, the first biasing means S1 is assembled with one end locked to the locking portion 2d of the case 2 and the other end locked to the interlocking member 1. When the throttle grip G is rotated in the forward direction (forward rotation a), the interlocking member 1 rotates against the biasing force of the first biasing means S1, and this biasing force is transmitted to the throttle grip G, acting to return the throttle grip G to its initial position.

[0043] The resistance-applying means 4 can generate a rotational load by creating sliding resistance (frictional resistance due to sliding) when the throttle grip G rotates. It consists of a friction member 4a, which is assembled in contact with the sliding surface n (see Figure 11) formed on the interlocking member 1, and a spring member 4b that biases the friction member 4a against the sliding surface n. When the interlocking member 1 rotates forward a or backward b in conjunction with the rotation operation of the throttle grip G, the friction member 4a slides against the sliding surface n, generating a frictional force and creating a predetermined operating torque (operating load).

[0044] The initial position biasing means 11 is attached to the interlocking member 1 and applies a biasing force to the engaging portion Ga during the period (play section T) before the engaging portion Ga contacts the engaged portion 1a (specifically, the one-end wall portion 1g) when the throttle grip G rotates forward a from the initial position. Here, the second biasing means S2 and the initial position biasing means 11 in this embodiment are attached to one surface F1 and the other surface F2 of the interlocking member 1, respectively.

[0045] In other words, in the throttle grip device according to this embodiment, a second biasing means S2 is attached to one surface F1 of the interlocking member 1, and an initial position biasing means 11 is attached to the other surface F2 (the surface that engages with the engaging portion Ga). As shown in Figures 14 to 17, the initial position biasing means 11 has a contact member 11a, a biasing member 11b attached to the contact member 11a to bias the engaging portion Ga, and a cover member 12, and the contact member 11a and the biasing member 11b are housed in a housing recess 1f formed on the other surface F2 of the interlocking member 1.

[0046] The receiving recess 1f is formed in an arc shape on the other surface F2 of the interlocking member 1 along a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis k of the interlocking member 1. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, it is formed by an end wall portion 1g formed at one end, an end wall portion 1h formed at the other end, and a side wall portion D extending in an arc shape across the end wall portion 1g and the end wall portion 1h. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the end wall portion 1g has an insertion portion 1ga through which the tip portion 11ab of the contact member 11a is inserted, and the end wall portion 1h has an insertion hole 1e through which the engaging projection 12ab (see Figure 16) of the cover member 12 is inserted.

[0047] The contact member 11a contacts the engagement portion Ga when the throttle grip G rotates forward a, and as shown in Figure 15, it comprises a receiving portion 11aa that receives one end 11ba of the biasing member 11b and a tip portion 11ab that can contact the engagement portion Ga. The biasing member 11b, as shown in Figures 15 and 17, consists of a coil spring with one end 11ba contacting the contact member 11a and housed in a housing recess 1f, and is mounted along the arc-shaped housing recess 1f.

[0048] The cover member 12 covers the opening of the housing recess 1f and closes the housing space for the contact member 11a and the biasing member 11b, and as shown in Figure 17, it is made of a plate material with a shape that follows the arc shape of the housing recess 1f. As shown in Figures 14 and 16, the cover member 12 has a protruding portion 12a that is formed to protrude toward the housing recess 1f, a receiving portion 12aa formed on the protruding portion 12a to receive the other end 11bb of the biasing member 11b, and an engaging projection 12ab that can be inserted into the insertion hole 1e (see Figure 10) of the other end wall portion 1h.

[0049] Then, as shown in Figure 17, after housing the contact member 11a and the biasing member 11b in the housing recess 1f, the cover member 12 is attached to cover the opening (upper part) of the housing recess 1f. As a result, as shown in Figures 4 and 18, one end 11ba of the biasing member 11b abuts against the contact member 11a, and the other end 11bb abuts against the receiving portion 12aa of the cover member 12.

[0050] Furthermore, the protruding portion 12a on which the receiving portion 12aa is formed has an extension dimension t1 and is formed in an arc shape along the shape of the receiving recess 1f. Therefore, after housing the abutment member 11a and the biasing member 11b in the receiving recess 1f, the cover member 12 is attached to the receiving recess 1f, and as shown in Figures 4 and 14, the initial mounting dimension w1 (initial compression state) of the biasing member 11b is set according to the extension dimension t1 of the protruding portion 12a.

[0051] Furthermore, the receiving recess 1f in the throttle grip device of this embodiment is designed to accommodate any cover member 12 having different formation positions for the receiving portion 12aa. For example, instead of a cover member 12 with a protruding portion 12a of extension dimension t1, a cover member 12 with a protruding portion 12a of extension dimension t2 (a different dimension from extension dimension t1) can be attached to the receiving recess 1f, as shown in Figures 22 and 24. As a result, as shown in Figures 23 and 25, the initial mounting dimension w2 (initial compression state) of the biasing member 11b is set according to the extension dimension t2 of the protruding portion 12a.

[0052] Next, the operation of the throttle grip G in the throttle grip device according to this embodiment during rotational operation will be described. When the throttle grip G is in its initial position A0, as shown in Figure 18, the engaging portion Ga abuts against the tip portion 11ab of the contact member 11a on one side and against the convex portion 1i on the other side. When the throttle grip G is rotated forward a from its initial position A0, the engaging portion Ga presses against the contact member 11a against the biasing force of the biasing member 11b during the play section T until it abuts against the engaged portion 1a (one end wall portion 1g).

[0053] As a result, when the throttle grip G rotates forward a from its initial position A0, the initial position biasing means 11 can apply a biasing force to the engaging portion Ga during the play section T, from the time the engaging portion Ga contacts the engaged portion 1a (one end wall portion 1g) until the interlocking member 1 rotates forward a, thereby generating an arbitrary operating load. However, during the play section T in the process of rotating the throttle grip G forward a, although a biasing force is applied by the initial position biasing means 11, the interlocking member 1 is stopped, so no biasing force is applied by the first biasing means S1, and the rotation angle is not detected by the magnetic sensor 6, so the vehicle's engine (drive source) is not controlled.

[0054] Subsequently, when the throttle grip G is further rotated forward a, the engaging portion Ga comes into contact with and presses against the one-end wall portion 1g, which is the engaged portion 1a, so that the interlocking member 1 can be rotated forward a in conjunction with it, as shown in Figure 20. At this time, the forward rotation a of the interlocking member 1 applies a biasing force to the throttle grip G by the first biasing means S1, so that an operating load can be applied during the process of rotating the throttle grip G forward a.

[0055] On the other hand, when the throttle grip G is rotated in the reverse direction b from its initial position A0, the engaging portion Ga comes into contact with and presses against the convex portion 1i, which acts as the engaged portion 1a. As shown in Figure 21, the interlocking member 1 can be rotated in the reverse direction b in conjunction with the engaging portion b. At this time, the reverse rotation b of the interlocking member 1 applies a biasing force to the throttle grip G by the second biasing means S2, so an operating load can be applied during the process of rotating the throttle grip G in the reverse direction b.

[0056] Here, the biasing member 11b of the initial position biasing means 11 in the throttle grip device of this embodiment can be made of a multi-stage pitch spring having multiple regions with different pitches, and the spring characteristics change in multiple stages during the compression process. For example, the biasing member 11b of the initial position biasing means 11 can be a two-stage pitch spring having regions α and β with different pitches, as shown in Figures 14 and 22. When such a two-stage pitch spring is used, the spring characteristics can be changed in two stages during the compression process, and any desired spring characteristics can be generated as the throttle grip G rotates through the play section T.

[0057] Next, we will explain the experimental results demonstrating the technical advantages of the throttle grip device according to this embodiment, using the graph in Figure 26. In the graph in Figure 26, the horizontal axis represents the operating angle (deg) detected by the magnetic sensor 6, and the vertical axis represents the generated operating torque (operating load).

[0058] First, we prepared a general-purpose wire-type throttle grip device Y0 (which controls the throttle via a wire), a throttle grip device Y1 equipped with a biasing member 11b (single-pitch spring) that does not have regions with different pitches for the initial position biasing means 11, and a throttle grip device Y2 equipped with a biasing member 11b (two-stage pitch spring) that has regions α and β with different pitches for the initial position biasing means 11.

[0059] Then, when the throttle grip G in each throttle grip device (Y0, Y1, Y2) was rotated, the relationship between the operating angle and the operating load was as shown in the graph in Figure 26. According to this graph, it can be seen that the operating load of throttle grip devices Y1 and Y2 is approximated in the free-slack section T (the section corresponding to the tensile load of the wire) of the general-purpose wire-type throttle grip device Y0.

[0060] Therefore, the throttle grip devices Y1 and Y2, which are embodiments of the present invention, can approximate the operating load of the throttle grip device Y0. In particular, the throttle grip device Y2 can change its spring characteristics when the throttle grip G is rotated from the initial position A0 to the play section T, thus allowing it to more closely approximate the operating load of the throttle grip device Y0.

[0061] According to the throttle grip device of this embodiment, an initial position biasing means 11 is provided, and the second biasing means S2 and the initial position biasing means 11 are attached to one surface F1 and the other surface F2 of the interlocking member 1, respectively. Therefore, an operating load can be generated when the rotation operation (forward rotation a) of the throttle grip G starts and before the rotation of the interlocking member 1, and the throttle grip G can be rotated in the forward and reverse directions while generating a biasing force.

[0062] Furthermore, the initial position biasing means 11 according to this embodiment includes a contact member 11a that abuts against the engaging portion Ga and a biasing member 11b that is attached to the contact member 11a and biases the engaging portion Ga. Since the interlocking member 1 has a housing recess 1f that accommodates the contact member 11a and the biasing member 11b, the initial position biasing means 11 can be reliably attached to the other surface F2 of the interlocking member 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the engaged portion 1a according to this embodiment has a one-end wall portion 1g formed at one end of the receiving recess 1f and a protrusion 1i formed on the interlocking member 1. The one-end wall portion 1g has an insertion portion 1ga through which the contact member 11a is inserted and its tip contacts the engaged portion. Therefore, a biasing force of the biasing member 11b can be generated via the contact member 11a during the time from when the throttle grip G is rotated forward a from the initial position A0 to when the interlocking member 1 is rotated forward a (play section T).

[0064] Furthermore, by rotating the throttle grip G in the forward direction a further from the play section T, the engaging portion Ga presses against the one-end wall portion 1g, causing the interlocking member 1 to rotate in the forward direction a. Conversely, by rotating the throttle grip G in the reverse direction b from the initial position A0, the engaging portion Ga presses against the protrusion 1i, causing the interlocking member 1 to rotate in the reverse direction b.

[0065] Furthermore, the biasing member 11b according to this embodiment consists of a coil spring with one end in contact with the one-end wall portion 1g and housed in the housing recess 1f, and the housing recess 1f is formed in an arc shape along a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis k of the interlocking member 1, so that the biasing force of the biasing member 11b can be effectively transmitted to the engaging portion Ga during the time (play section T) from when the throttle grip G rotates forward a to when the interlocking member 1 rotates forward a.

[0066] In addition, the initial position biasing means 11 according to this embodiment includes a cover member 12 that covers the opening of the housing recess 1f and closes the housing space of the contact member 11a and the biasing member 11b. Furthermore, since the cover member 12 has a receiving portion 12aa that receives the other end 11bb of the biasing member 11b, the cover member 12 can combine the function of closing the housing space of the housing recess 1f and the function of receiving the other end 11bb of the biasing member 11b.

[0067] Furthermore, since the receiving recess 1f according to this embodiment allows for the attachment of any cover member 12 whose receiving portion 12aa is formed at a different position from each other, biasing members 11b with different lengths (mounting dimensions) can be selectively attached to the receiving recess 1f. In particular, if the biasing member of the initial position biasing means is made of a multi-stage pitch spring (a two-stage pitch spring in this embodiment) which has multiple regions with different pitches and whose spring characteristics change in multiple stages during the compression process, as in this embodiment, it can be easily approximated to the operating feel of a general-purpose wire-type throttle grip G that the user is accustomed to.

[0068] However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, if the virtual circle along the coil portion S1a of the torsion coil spring of the first biasing means S1 is defined as the first virtual circle C1 (a virtual circle with a diameter N centered on the rotation axis k), and the virtual circles offset from the first virtual circle C1 in the direction of the rotation axis k of the interlocking member 1 are defined as the second virtual circle C2 and the third virtual circle C3, then the biasing members 11b of the second biasing means S2 and the initial position biasing means 11 are arranged in an arc shape along the second virtual circle C2 and the third virtual circle C3, respectively. This makes it possible to stably generate biasing forces for the biasing members 11b of the first biasing means S1, the second biasing means S2, and the initial position biasing means 11.

[0069] Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the biasing member 11b of the initial position biasing means 11 may be replaced with another biasing means (for example, an elastic member such as a resin or rubber material) instead of a coil spring, or the magnetic sensor 6 may be replaced with another sensor capable of detecting the rotation angle of the throttle grip G (such as a sensor that does not use magnetism). Furthermore, the applicable vehicles are not limited to motorcycles as in this embodiment, but may also be applied to other vehicles having handlebars H (for example, ATVs and snowmobiles). [Industrial applicability]

[0070] The present invention can be applied to throttle grip devices that conform to the spirit of the present invention, including those with different external shapes or those with added functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1 Interlocking member 1a Engaged part 1b Mounting recess 1c flange 1d gear 1e Through hole 1f Recessed housing 1g One end wall 1ga insertion section 1h Other end wall 1i convex part 2 cases 2a First containment area 2b Second containment area 2c Third containment area 2d locking part 2e Receiving recess 3 Rotating member 4. Means of imparting resistance 4a Friction member 4b Spring member 5 Printed circuit boards 6. Magnetic sensor (rotation angle detection means) 7 Selected Members 7a Locking part 7b Receiving part 8. Lid member 8a opening 9. Mounting components 10 Torsion springs 11 Initial position biasing means 11a Contact member 11aa Receiving part 11ab Tip 11b Biasing member 11ba one end 11bb other end 12 Cover component 12a Protrusion 12aa Receiving part 12ab Engagement protrusion G Throttle Grip Ga engagement part H Handlebars S1 First biasing means (torsion coil spring) S1a Coil section S2 Second biasing means k axis of rotation M magnet L shaft member n sliding surface D Side wall F1 One side F2 The other side T Play Area

Claims

1. A throttle grip that allows the driver to rotate it, enabling forward rotation in a predetermined direction from an initial position and reverse rotation in the opposite direction to that predetermined direction, An interlocking member having an engaged portion that can engage with an engaging portion formed on the throttle grip, and which can rotate in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the throttle grip, A case that rotatably holds the aforementioned interlocking member, When the throttle grip rotates in the forward direction, a first biasing means biases the interlocking member toward its initial position, When the throttle grip rotates in the reverse direction, a second biasing means biases the interlocking member toward its initial position, A rotation angle detection means capable of detecting the rotation angle of the throttle grip by detecting the rotation angle of the interlocking member, A throttle grip device comprising the following, which is capable of controlling the vehicle's drive source according to the rotation angle of the throttle grip when it is rotating in the forward direction as detected by the rotation angle detection means, and is capable of activating or deactivating a predetermined function of the vehicle when the throttle grip rotates in the reverse direction, A throttle grip device comprising an initial position biasing means that applies a biasing force to the engaging portion when the throttle grip rotates forward from its initial position until the engaging portion contacts the engaged portion and causes the interlocking member to rotate forward, wherein the second biasing means and the initial position biasing means are attached to one surface and the other surface of the interlocking member, respectively.

2. The throttle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the initial position biasing means includes a contact member that contacts the engagement portion and a biasing member attached to the contact member that biases the engagement portion, and the interlocking member has a housing recess formed therein for housing the contact member and the biasing member.

3. The throttle grip device according to claim 2, wherein the engaged portion has a one-end wall portion formed at one end of the receiving recess and a protrusion formed protruding from the interlocking member, and when the throttle grip rotates forward, the engaged portion abuts against the one-end wall portion to rotate the interlocking member, and when the throttle grip rotates reverse, the engaged portion abuts against the protrusion portion to rotate the interlocking member, and the one-end wall portion is provided with an insertion portion through which the contacting member is inserted and its tip abuts against the engaged portion.

4. The throttle grip device according to claim 3, characterized in that the biasing member consists of a coil spring with one end in contact with the contact member and housed in the housing recess, and the housing recess is formed in an arc shape along a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis of the interlocking member.

5. The throttle grip device according to claim 4, wherein the initial position biasing means comprises a cover member that covers the opening of the housing recess and closes the housing space for the contact member and the biasing member, and the cover member is formed with a receiving portion that receives the other end of the biasing member.

6. The throttle grip device according to claim 5, characterized in that the receiving recess is capable of attaching any of the cover members whose receiving portions are formed in different positions.

7. The throttle grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the biasing member of the initial position biasing means is a multi-stage pitch spring having multiple regions with different pitches, and the spring characteristics change in multiple stages during the compression process.

8. The throttle grip device according to claim 2, wherein the first biasing means consists of a torsion coil spring, and the biasing members of the second biasing means and the initial position biasing means consist of coil springs, and when a virtual circle along the coil portion of the torsion coil spring of the first biasing means is defined as the first virtual circle, and virtual circles offset from the first virtual circle in the direction of the rotation axis of the interlocking member are defined as the second virtual circle and the third virtual circle, respectively, the biasing members of the second biasing means and the initial position biasing means are respectively arranged in an arc shape along the second virtual circle and the third virtual circle.

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